This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
